Patrick Kane

Kane has carved out a reputation of being a top-notch producer during the regular season, before morphing into a superstar in the playoffs. Like the Blackhawks, fantasy owners are waiting for his otherworldliness during the playoffs to translate to the regular season. He sti...

Kane, who is out with a broken clavicle, is still on track to return by the Western Conference Finals in the Stanley Cup playoffs if the Blackhawks should advance that far, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Kane really grew up before last season and that newfound maturity delivered him the best point-per-game production of his career. He needs to be one of the first right wingers off the draft board (if not the first). But just remember this is an Olympic year with extraordinary travel demands. Kaner has played a lot of games since the start of 2013 and a workload that includes the Olympics could really cause a second-half slow down. Relatively speaking, of course -- he'll still finish with elite numbers overall. But don't be afraid to consider a deadline trade to leverage his value at its highest point.

2012-13

Last year was by far the most disappointing season for Kane in his five-year career. Not only did his on-ice production slip -- he only produced 23 goals and 43 asssists, seven fewer points than in 2019-10 -- but his off-ice antics became an issue, too. Trade rumors continue to swirl, but the Hawks would be crazy to ship out a 24-year-old, point-per-game guy. Still, the 2012-13 season will be his most important one for the Hawks and he'll need to show the team he's more than just an impulsive frat boy. We think he'll feel like he has something to prove and that will bring him a 30-goal, 75-point seaso. And a major rebound on the power play.

2011-12

Itï¿½s unclear when he originally sustained the injury, but Kane is expected to be fully recovered from surgery on his left wrist by the start of the regular season. The star winger saw a drop in his point total last season, but still managed a point per game average with 27 goals and 46 assists through 73 contests. As one of the best offensive producers at his position, Kane should quickly fly off draft boards in 2011-12.

2010-11

We'll refrain from cracking any taxicab jokes and tell you the important stuff: Kane continued to pile on 88 points in the regular season, and ultimately went on to score the game-winning goal in overtime in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Without question, he is one of the game's best young talents but his actions have gotten him in trouble. On the rink, he's a prolific goal scorer and setup man, but to be ranked among the elite he could afford to act with more professionalism. With a Stanley Cup victory and three seasons of 70-plus points, it's easy to forget that he's only 21 years old, with room for growth.

2009-10

While definitely a black mark on his young career, the incident with a Buffalo taxi cab driver might humble Kane and give him a little more of an incentive to increase his output. No matter what, the duo of Kane and Jonathan Toews are sure to keep the Hawks in the Stanley Cup hunt for the long haul, especially since they're now running as a trio with Marian Hossa. Another year under his belt will only make him better, after a season where Kane led the team in power-play goals with 13. His 25 goals and 45 assists last season were particularly impressive when you consider that Kane was slowed by a high-ankle sprain throughout January, around which he had a 17-game stretch with just five points (1 G, 4 A).

2008-09

Kane was the first overall pick in the 2007 draft, and he defended his draft position by claiming the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie. Leading the Hawks with 72 points by amassing 21 goals and 51 assists, Kane played with the poise of a veteran in his first campaign. Expect him to produce even greater numbers with a healthy Toews this season and another year under his belt.

2007-08

Like Toews, Kane played well in the WJC -- albeit with the US -- and helped his draft stock, which may have pushed the Hawks to take him with the first-overall pick of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He was named the CHL rookie of the year with 62 goals and 83 assists in 58 games. While he is not big, his stickhandling and great vision on the ice makes up for his lack of size (5-10, 162 pounds).

2006-07

Great hands, great speed and uncanny ability to protect the puck are hallmarks of this 5'9" winger's game. He poured in 62 goals and 145 points in just 58 games with the OHL's London Knights in his draft year and projects as a 100-point player someday... if his frame fills out and he sprouts a couple inches. Even if he doesn't grow, Kane will produce if paired with the right (read, big) linemates. He's at the top of the 2007 draft class.